The Sutherland Clan

Clan Motto:
SANS PEURTranslation:
WITHOUT FEAR

The Earldom of Sutherland is said to be the oldest in Britain and was conferred about 1228 on William, Lord Sutherland. This William was descended from Freskin, who received the lands of Moray from King David I. The 2nd Earl of Sutherland was killed at Bannockburn in 1314. The Sutherlands, who took their name from the County of Sutherland, wielded great power in the north and their early history is one of almost continual strife with their neighbours.
On the death of the 9th Earl the title passed to his son-in-law, Adam Gordon of Aboyne. They were a numerous clan, and in 1745 their fighting strength was estimated at 2000. After the death of the 18th Earl his son-in-law became Marquis of Stafford and was created Duke of Sutherland in 1833.